Spiritual enlightenment from the Far East has taught
the world that true happiness and peace come from within—a wisdom that
transcends time and boundaries. As each new generation struggles to find
happiness in an ever-changing world overrun by technology and media, few take
the inward path to deep, long-lasting peace.
Richard Singer, a psychotherapist, has studied hundreds of Eastern-based
writings and given them new life in today’s world for people looking to apply
this wisdom to the stressful and frustrating aspects of the 21st century. Based
on the words of Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Buddha, Lao-Tzu, and others, Richard
Singer has illuminated some of the most profound Eastern quotes with 111
meditations and contemporary applications. Each selection acts as a seed that
he expands upon to create a practical meditation for a real-life situation,
enabling you to recognize and accept the inner peace of your true being . . .
right here, right now.LIBRARY JOURNAL: This little book has a definite place on the library
shelf. Singer, a psychotherapist and "seeker of truth," has assembled
a variety of quotations and written meditations and "real-life
applications" for them. What makes his book interesting is that—in an
Asian context—the quotations are pan-cultural; that is, Chinese, Buddhist,
Japanese, and Hindu sources stand side by side, implying, probably rightly,
that all of Asian thought, considered together, is characteristically different
from Western ways of thinking.

SUE VOGAN, Author/Radio Show Host: "Singer
has taken the word 'mindfulness' to a new level and shows us how to apply it to
every moment of our lives."

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Book Excerpt:
Mindfulness is the secret of life. A life lived mindfully is a life lived
full of peace, tranquility, joy, bliss, ecstasy and compassion. Mindfulness is
our direct link to the Universe. It is the solution that we as human beings
have been seeking outside ourselves since the beginning of modern times. The
simple practice of mindfulness has been around for thousands of years; however most
human beings discard this approach to life and instead search for more complex
and intellectual philosophies or techniques. Unfortunately, this external
journey never resolves itself. There are many individuals and texts available
that also complicate and over analyze mindfulness. It seems that our ego is
programmed to complicate even the simplest solutions. Mindfulness is meant to
be simple, yet a profound way to live. This present centered solution allows us
to live authentic lives.

So, what exactly is mindfulness and how do you
apply it to your life? Mindfulness is a specific form of meditation or simply
put awareness of the moment. There are many different forms of meditation,
however we are going to specifically focus on mindfulness meditation, which
this author believe to be the most practical and pure meditative exercise.
Mindfulness involves directly participating in each moment as it occurs with
complete awareness of your present experience. Life only exists in the Here and
Now when practicing mindfulness. The moment we experience is pure and
unadulterated. Mindfulness is a "living" meditation that you can
practice each second of your precious life. There is no need to escape to a
secluded place, as you can engage in mindfulness anywhere and at anytime, no
matter what is happening around you.

Instead of presenting the reader with one rigid definition of mindfulness, a
few but concise definitions will be presented below drawn from the wisdom of
various experts and practitioners of mindfulness.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, the best selling author of Wherever You Go There You Are and
the creator of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, describes mindfulness
meditation as "paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the
present moment and non-judgmentally."
Levey and Levey in their magnificent book, Simple Meditation and Relaxation,
state " Mindfulness liberates us from memories of the past and fantasies
of the future by bringing reality of the present moment clearly into
focus." They also express that "mindfulness makes us aware of life's
everyday miracles."
In one of the ancient Buddhist commentaries, it is stated that mindfulness
is "presence of mind, attentiveness to the present... "
Stephen Levine, author of A Gradual Awakening, says that mindfulness is a
" moment to moment awareness of whatever arises, whatever
exists."
Meditation teacher and author Sylvia Boorstein states that mindfulness is
having " the aware, balanced acceptance of present experience. It is not
more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment,
pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to or rejecting
it."
These simple yet profound use diverse expression and terminology, but what
they all share in common is that mindfulness is being completely and fully
present for life. It is being aware of what is going on within and around you
in each moment of your miraculous existence. We simply practice awareness
without judgment, accepting our thoughts and emotions exactly as they are.

As you may have noticed mindfulness is a simple
yet, powerful way to live our lives. Its simply being Right Here, Right Now:
immersing your entire being in the present moment and fully experiencing your
life. That's it! It really is that straight forward. It is not necessary to
over analyze, intellectualize, or complicate what it is to be mindful. Of
course our ego wants to distract us in any way possible, but don't allow this.
Recognize the presence of your ego, say hello, and then calmly dismiss it. All
there is to being mindful is to Simply Be. While there are plenty more advanced
explanations on this topic available for you to further explore if you desire;
what has been described here is the simple and pure essence of mindfulness
meditation.

As you leave this article and continue your journey of mindful living or if
you are just beginning, this writer suggests that you dive into the ocean
of Now and intimately acquaint
yourself with the pleasure of what is directly in front of you. As expressed in
the Zen tradition, "When eating, eta and when walking, walk."
Are you Right Here, Right Now? If not, center yourself and experience the
bliss and ecstasy of the eternal moment. Enjoy your journey!

About the Author

Richard Singer is first of all a real human being who is quite faulty
and still struggles with life on a daily basis. He is a recovering drug
addict and alcoholic that once was homeless, hopeless and penniless. However,
on a worldly basis, he is an award winning author, trained psychotherapist,
adjunct professor, and most importantly a seeker of truth. He continuously
searches for wisdom to use in his life, as well as helping other human beings
in their precious journey. He has studied Eastern Psychology, Buddhist Healing,
and Non-Violence at the Doctoral Level; in addition, he has spent years devoted
to the study of wisdom recorded throughout history. He seeks to impart this
knowledge to the world through his writing. His primary purpose is to benefit
humanity in any way possible.

Richard states that My books are not only for
reading, they are meant to be lived. Richard has written two meditation books
and co-authored an inspirational children's book.He consistently supports human
beings in their search for purpose and passion in life. Richard passionately
believes in equality among all human beings. "After all we only have one
race; the Human Race."

He has been featured in many magazines, on various radio and television
shows including BBC News in London
and his books have been widely reviewed specifically by Library Journal, Martha
Stewart's Body and Soul Magazine and many other review forums.

Richard has twin boys that reside in the Cayman Islands.
Mathew and Alexander are his life. Mr. Singer loves to read, write,
travel, and engage in anything spontaneous and adventure filled. He
has driven across the United States
several times and traveled many places in the world. Cuba
remains his favorite country to visit. He continuously strives to embrace
each unique moment of life by applying Mindfulness Meditation to all
moments. Mindfulness is a "living meditation" that we never
stop applying to our lives.

Richard is open to questions, suggestions, or simply having a conversation.
You may contact him at RSinger9999@gmail.com.